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About Trio

In support of our nation’s commitment to equal educational opportunities for all, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America’s economic and social life.

These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and are referred to as the TRIO Programs. While financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers.

As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served by TRIO must come from families with certain income levels. You can view the income guidelines from the Department of Education here.

More than 1,000 U.S. colleges, universities, community colleges, and agencies now offer TRIO Programs. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants.